06 Jan 2020 | 01:47 PM UTC
Kenya: Al-Shabaab attack leaves three American citizens dead in Lamu county January 5 /update 2
At least three killed and two wounded in Lamu county following Al-Shabaab attack January 5; additional attacks possible over the near term
Event
According to a statement released by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) on Sunday, January 5, three American nationals - one US service member and two Department of Defense contractors - were killed, and two others wounded during the January 5 Al-Shabaab attack targeting the Manda Bay Airfield in Lamu county, near Kenya's border with Somalia. The site is a key military base used by US counterterror forces in Kenya.
Kenyan military forces reported that five militants were also killed in the attack.
Lamu's Manda Airport (LAU), which was temporarily closed following the attack has reportedly re-opened as of Monday, January 6.
Similar attacks are possible in Lamu county over the near term.
Advice
Individuals in Lamu county are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the area of the incident, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.
Due to various security concerns, many Western governments advise against travel to a number of regions in the country, including areas bordering Somalia (parts of Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, and Lamu counties), Ethiopia, and South Sudan. Nonessential travel to the city of Mombasa and several Nairobi neighborhoods (including Eastleigh and Pangani) is also advised against.
